What causes masseter jaw enlargement?
There are many factors that influence the shape of our jawline – our genetics, muscularity, bone structure, hormones and lifestyle can all have an impact on our facial structure.
The masseter muscle is a major facial muscle, located in the jaw, which can also have a significant impact on the shape of our jawline.
An enlarged masseter muscle can cause a more prominent or square jawline. There are several factors that can cause an enlarged masseter muscle, which we’ll discuss in this article.
The masseter muscle
To understand how an enlarged masseter muscle influences facial shape, it’s helpful to understand where this muscle is positioned and how it functions.
The masseter muscle is located in the cheek, on the sides of the face and jaw. It connects the lower jaw to the cheekbone. This major facial muscle is associated with elevating the lower jaw (the mandible), along with closing the jaw during biting and chewing movements.
For its size, the masseter muscle is one of the strongest muscles in the body.
Masseter muscle enlargement
Masseter muscle enlargement is also known as masseter hypertrophy.
It can be caused by a several factors including bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching), overuse through overactive chewing habits, and genetics.
Bruxism
Teeth grinding or clenching, often during sleep, can lead to masseter muscle enlargement.
Overuse
Habitual chewing, such as excessive gum chewing, can contribute to masseter muscle growth.
Genetics
Some patients may naturally have larger masseter muscles, which have been inherited from family members.
Hormonal factors
Higher levels of certain hormones, such as testosterone, can influence muscle growth, which can include the masseter muscles.
Further reading about masseter muscle enlargement:
Masseter Muscle Hypertrophy: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Options
Issues associated with masseter muscle enlargement
TMJ disorder (TMD)
The masseter muscle is associated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, known as TMD, which affects jaw movement and causes joint pain in the jaw.
The symptoms of TMJ disorder include:
- pain around the jaw, ear and temple
- clicking noises with jaw movement
- difficulty opening the mouth fully
- a locking jaw
According to the NHS:
“The pain may be worse when chewing and when you feel stressed. TMD can also stop you getting a good night’s sleep.”
Further reading
NHS information regarding TMJ disorder
Bruxism
Bruxism, or teeth clenching or grinding, is a common condition where patients rub their teeth together or clench their jaw closed. It is often during sleep, but can also happen during the day.
It can be a symptom of underlying issues such as stress, anxiety, or sleep disorders. Bruxism can also lead to masseter jaw enlargement, jaw pain and tooth wear.
Further reading
Aesthetic perception
An enlarged masseter muscle can cause some patients to feel that their jawline is too wide or prominent, and they would like to achieve a softer jawline and more balanced facial profile.
Botox treatment for masseter jaw enlargement
Carefully targeted botox injections offer a highly effective solution to an enlarged masseter muscle.
How does masseter jaw botox work?
Botox is injected into specific points in the masseter muscle to gradually relax it through blocking certain nerve signals.
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Botox for TMJ disorder
Botox can reduce the painful symptoms of TMJ disorder (also known as TMD) by relaxing the tension in the masseter muscle.
Botox for bruxism
The incidence of bruxism can also be significantly reduced, which limits wear and tear on the teeth.
Botox for jaw slimming
Over a course of botox treatments, the masseter muscle reduces in size, making it less prominent and giving the jawline a softer, more oval profile.
When used in conjunction with botox treatment for the neck, masseter jaw botox has the additional benefit of lifting and tightening the lower face.
Further reading about botox for masseter muscle enlargement
Management of unilateral idiopathic masseter muscle hypertrophy with botulinum toxin type A
More about jaw slimming botox.
Before and after masseter jaw botox
Following a course of botox treatment for masseter jaw enlargement, the profile of our patient’s jawline is slimmer and more oval, giving her the softer shape she wanted.
Find out more about masseter jaw botox at Hannah London
Talk to us about treatment for masseter jaw enlargement
To book your appointment please book online, call us on 020 8202 6187 or email info@hannahlondon.com.
